A 40-year-old woman from New Mexico is facing serious charges following the tragic death of her young daughter. Vanessa Chavez was arrested after emergency responders found her 18-month-old daughter unresponsive in their home on August 2, 2025.
When emergency personnel arrived, they discovered a man performing CPR on the child. Despite efforts to revive her, the toddler was pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding the girl’s death raised significant concerns, as investigators noted multiple bruises on her body, including Markings on her head, arm, and cheek.
Following the incident, Chavez and the child’s father, Greg Montoya, provided various explanations for the injuries. Montoya initially told investigators that the girl had fallen off her bed days before the incident. He downplayed the event, suggesting that the injuries were not serious since the child was not exhibiting alarming symptoms.
Chavez echoed this sentiment, claiming that the bruises might have resulted from the toddler’s frequent falls while learning to walk or could have been a consequence of choking on food during sleep.
However, as police continued their investigation, they began to speak with the couple’s 7-year-old son, who had been returned to the family at the same time as his baby sister. This boy appeared reluctant to share what he witnessed, fearing repercussions for his family. After a thorough interview, he revealed a shocking account.
The child described the events leading up to his sister’s death, stating that Chavez was “bad to his sister” and claimed he saw her physically harm the toddler. He recalled a moment when Chavez allegedly “slammed her on the wall” before his sister stopped moving. Heartbreakingly, he expressed hope that she would come back to life.
This startling revelation prompted law enforcement to take further action. The boy’s testimony contradicted the parents’ initial claims, raising serious doubts about their involvement in the mother’s alleged abuse. Prosecutors are currently seeking to charge Chavez with intentional child abuse resulting in death, which could lead to a life sentence if convicted.
The incident has garnered attention from various child welfare agencies, which have extended condolences to those affected by this tragic loss. A spokesperson for the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) expressed profound sorrow over the events, highlighting that the child had recently been reunified with her family after a previous foster care stint due to concerns regarding the parents’ ability to care for their children.
Specifically, the CYFD had previously held custody of two of Chavez’s children for about a year. After the parents successfully completed their court-ordered reunification plan, the children were returned home in late July 2025. Tragically, just weeks later, the youngest child was dead.
Santa Fe New Mexican reported that the girl had been removed from her parents’ custody due to their failure to attend necessary medical appointments for her follow-up care, indicating a history of neglect leading up to her tragic death.
Amidst the ongoing investigation, prosecutors referred to the incident as one of the most violent and egregious acts a parent can commit against a child. The details surrounding the case highlight the challenges faced by child welfare services in detecting and preventing instances of abuse.
As the authorities have continued their investigation, the plight of the grieving family remains a tragic focal point. CYFD’s statement emphasized that the death of this child is a tragedy of immeasurable proportions and asserted that no one could have predicted such a devastating outcome.
With the family now at the center of a painful legal battle, the community grapples with the reality of a life lost at such a young age. The shocking details surrounding this case serve as a somber reminder of the potential dangers children can face, even when they seem to be in safe hands.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community and child welfare advocates remain vigilant, seeking to ensure that justice is served for the little girl whose life was tragically cut short. Vanessa Chavez’s future now hangs in the balance as she faces the consequences of her actions, with many hoping this case sparks significant discussions around child safety and the responsibilities of parents.
While the investigation continues, the impact of this incident reverberates deeply through the community, leaving many seeking answers and a deeper understanding of how to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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